Explaining the Aurora Borealis

What is it?

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a spectacular natural light show visible in the high-latitude skies. This celestial phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun, carried on the solar wind, are channeled by Earth's magnetic field toward the polar regions. As these energetic particles collide with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere—primarily oxygen and nitrogen—they transfer their energy, causing the atmospheric gases to glow. The different colors are determined by the type of gas and the altitude of the collision; green is typically produced by oxygen at lower altitudes, while red, pink, and purple hues can also appear.

Why is it trending?

The aurora borealis often trends due to increased solar activity. The sun goes through an 11-year cycle of activity, and as we approach the solar maximum, events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections become more frequent. These events send powerful bursts of solar particles toward Earth, resulting in more intense and widespread auroras, sometimes visible at much lower latitudes than usual. Improved forecasting and the widespread sharing of stunning images on social media also fuel public interest and travel to see the lights.

How does it affect people?

For most, the aurora's effect is one of awe and wonder, making it a major driver for tourism in regions like Scandinavia, Canada, and Alaska. It holds deep cultural and mythological significance for many indigenous peoples. On a practical level, the geomagnetic storms that create intense auroras can have disruptive effects. They can interfere with power grids, disrupt satellite operations and GPS signals, and affect radio communications. While these technological impacts are a concern for specific industries, the primary human experience remains the breathtaking visual spectacle.

Discover another trend: Kepler Telescope: Planet Hunter